FAQ

We take pride in our ability to learn the fundamentals of our industry sectors and continue to stay updated with business trends. Our current list of consulting services includes Management Consulting, Nonprofits Consulting, Quality Management Consulting, Federal Contracts Consulting, Brand Strategy Consulting, Data Analysis Consulting, and Healthcare Consulting Services. We believe that the value we bring to the table is not only industry expertise — which you already possess — but rather an understanding of what your consumers are looking for and ways to improve your core business functions.

Of course not. Nobody can make that guarantee (and if somebody ever makes that guarantee, it is an excellent idea to run away quickly). A good plan is essential, but a plan alone will not bring about change. Although we will do our best to help you prepare, we have no control over how well your organization implements the changes or how well you will receive the proposals and plans. We can coach, and we can mentor, but at the end of the day, it is your business, and you must be the leader of your organizational change.

If you run a business, then it is probably safe to say yes. You may require more than one business plan: one for running your business and one for raising capital. The former is a more detailed document serving as a day-to-day roadmap, detailing the tactics supporting your overall strategy, and the latter is a compact, easily digested strategic document that is designed to persuade potential investors and banks for an initial meeting and loan consultation. We specialize in helping to prepare your business plan and the operating business plan.

In general, we charge a pre-determined fixed fee, after the scope of work has been completed and you have agreed to the terms and conditions. Hourly fees are available for short-term plans. Also, hourly rates are available for clients that have completed the term of their contract but need additional assistance within the same scope of work of the previously contracted proposals. Some clients may feel that the hourly rate is beneficial, whereas other clients may want to proceed to a contract extension.

The fee is determined by:

• The scope of the project, in terms of the tasks and documents you require help with.
• The sophistication and specific needs of your target audience.
• The quality of your existing materials, including early drafts of plans, forecasts, market research, competitive research, etc.
• Your team’s availability and willingness to participate in the preparation of the plan and proposal.
• The complexity of your industry and business model.
• The availability of data, organizational members, business & industry information.
• The desired timing relative to our workload. In general, “rush” jobs will carry a substantial premium over projects that can be completed as our schedule permits.

Because of these factors, the fees for a typical project, consisting of the preparation of a business-grade plan, proposal, suggestions, and documents, can range from a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars. By the way, if you are “price shopping,” you should know that price does not tell the whole story. After all, would you choose one car over another simply because of the price? Of course not – there are many dimensions you need to consider.

A lot depends on the nature of your opportunity and the effort you put into the pursuit of the project. Also, project completion is subject to the structure of the contract and if services and time are split between Ballastrae and the client. The contract proposal will not only list costing but will offer an anticipated project completion date.

You need to have higher education in the field you are applying for. Also, you should have at least four (4) years of relevant experience in business and consulting companies. Qualification exceptions are based solely on the discretion of Ballastrae leadership.